The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Herbert C. Bitterman (ASN: 0-1314426), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 13 February 1945. The enemy infiltrated through our lines in the Dampalit Area and launched an attack against First Lieutenant Bitterman’s company command post. First Lieutenant Bitterman signed three enemy riflemen emerging from cover behind a concrete wall, and realized that it was impossible to move riflemen into position to stop the assault. He immediately opened fire with his carbine, killing one Japanese and causing the remainder to disperse. He then dashed 15 yards toward the enemy, taking cover behind a partially demolished building and with his carbine and hand grenades, personally repulsed the attack. He killed three Japanese and caused the remainder to withdraw through an open area where our machine guns accounted for five more. Although he was seriously wounded, First Lieutenant Bitterman demonstrated outstanding courage and aggressiveness in defending a vital American installation. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Bitterman, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.